Kim shoots record 62, Woods lurks two shots behind
BETHESDA, Maryland (Reuters) - Holder Anthony Kim fired a course-record, eight-under-par 62 to upstage tournament host Tiger Woods in the opening round of the $6 million AT&T National at Congressional Country Club Thursday.
The 24-year-old California native registered eight birdies in a flawless display to hold a two-shot lead over fellow Americans Woods, DA Points and Bryce Molder.
"This golf course fits my eye and when I hit it wide I seem to get lucky out here," Kim told reporters after taking advantage of ideal scoring conditions.
"I love coming back to a course I have good feelings about and obviously playing well last year helped. I'm starting to see the break on these greens pretty well."
World number one Woods, a double winner on the 2009 PGA Tour, recorded seven birdies and one bogey on the pristine 7,255-yard course near Washington, D.C.
"I've always enjoyed being a selfish host, and that's winning the event," Woods said, flashing a broad smile. "I've done that in LA at the Chevron World Challenge a few times, and hopefully I can do it this week."
Woods said he was not surprised to see Kim leading.
"He's got so much talent, it's just a matter of time before he turns it around," said the 14-times major winner. "He came back to a site that he feels comfortable at, and he's played well here in the past. There's a lot to be said for that."
LOW SCORING
Conditions were ideal for low scoring on a Congressional layout softened by overnight rain.
"You can be so aggressive out there," Woods said. "You can fire at a lot of flags. The fairways got wide because it's not going to run out.
"If you get aggressive and get it going, you can post a number out there."
Australian Steve Elkington opened with a five-birdie 65, ending the day a stroke in front of compatriot Stuart Appleby, Swede Daniel Chopra and American Jim Furyk.
"It's a great place," said Elkington. "The course is fantastic, the best we've ever seen it. It was a great day for me. I basically hit all the greens, kept it out of the rough, kept it away from all the trouble."
Kim, who tied for 16th at last month's U.S. Open, reeled off six birdies in a sizzling back nine of six-under 29.
"I just focused on the shot I was hitting at the time," he said. "I just stepped up to the tee and said 'this is what I've got to do with this shot' and moved on from there."
Newly crowned U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover carded a 69 and triple major champion Vijay Singh a 70 while 2007 winner K.J. Choi piled up four bogeys and two doubles en route to a 77.
(Editing by Tony Jimenez and Greg Stutchbury)
